| Region: |
Almeria
/ Velez Blanco |
| Type of accommodation: |
Villa |
| Bedrooms: |
6 |
| Sleeps: |
18 |
| Pets welcome: |
Yes |
| Brief description: |
Cortijo Rio Claro is a large, traditional and VERY private country house set in Natural Park and available as 2 seperate units. It benefits from being able to accomodate large family groups and from the stunning scenery being located in the mountains. |
| Full description: |
Cortijo "Rio Claro" (River Clear) is set within the "Sierra Maria - Los V?lez Parque Natural" in Andalucia, with stunning views over the mountains "Mahimon" and "Muelar". It is only 3kms from V?lez Blanco yet the locals call it 'tranquilo' due to its private and secluded location.
The house is set in the ideal location for either an adventure or totally relaxing holiday vacation for eco-friendly tourists. Guests are "spoilt for choice" with walking, cycling, endless scenes for painting, and naturalists have an abundance of wildlife including regular visits overhead from Golden Eagles and Griffon Vultures (flock of 36 maximum seen so far!). There are even walks to the tops of both the mountains mentioned above from where you can see hundreds of square miles and as far as the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
The view whilst relaxing on the terrace in front of the cortijo is breathtaking and unspoilt. In fact, although there are some 5 or 6 local Spanish living nearby, only one other house is actually visible from the cortijo! Sit on the terrace of an evening and gaze at the Milky Way whilst listening to the sounds of Cicadas and, in the spring, Frogs from the stream at the bottom of the grounds. In the almond and olive groves (part of the 6 acres of land with the property) we even regularly get Nightingales singing.
Construction is traditional with exposed beams and thick stone walls keeping the inside cooler in the summer months. The property is divided into 2 units as described under Accommodation, but is let exclusively i.e. if your needs are such that you only require one of the 2 parts of the cortijo, a discount is given and the other unit IS NOT let to anyone for the duration of your stay. You will have complete privacy.
This is the holiday location for those who demand more than just the sun. |
| Facilities: |
Larger Unit 1 (3/4 bedrooms sleeping up to 13):
The left hand end of the property has it's own front door leading into the lounge/kitchen with log burner, hob unit, double sink and fridge.
The dining room/4th bedroom (double) is accessed from the lounge and will be set prior to your arrival as per your requirements.
The large bathroom with bath, shower, toilet, bidet and wash basin is part way up the stairs leading from the lounge.
Upstairs is bedroom 1 (double), bedroom 2 (twin/2 small doubles) and bedroom 3 (triple + double pullout bed/settee)
Smaller Unit 2 (2 bedrooms sleeping up to 6):
The right hand end of the property has it's own front door leading into the lounge/kitchen/diner with open fireplace, hob unit, double sink and fridge.
Bedroom 1 (double) is accessed from the lounge.
The bathroom with bath, shower, toilet, bidet and wash basin is part way up the stairs leading from the lounge.
Upstairs is bedroom 2 (4 singles or 1 double and 2 singles).
Notes on Accommodation:
The properties are serviced by mains water, bottled Butane gas for cooking, water heating and fridges, and Solar Power for lighting. A power inverter is installed in each unit for laptops, mobile phone chargers, shavers and other low power equipments. A generator is available for larger electrical loads if required and by prior arrangement. There is also an outside kitchen/utility room used for Bar-B-Q equipment, extra table and chairs and an oven for guests of unit 1.
Both units are fully prepared prior to your arrival with bed linen, tea towels, towels etc which are changed weekly. Please bring your own beach towels if required.
Outside:
Terraced at the front of the property with garden furniture, the property is accessed by a private drive and has 6 acres of land set to Almond and Olive trees, with Figs and Agave. The south boundary is bordered by the stream "Rio Claro" (River Clear).
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| Local activities: |
Swimming: Velez Blanco has one of the finest pools around, set in a wooded park on the slopes of mt. Mahimon and overlooking the Blanco Valley. There is a restaurant and tapas bar beside the pool area.
For those who want it, the Mediterranean coast is about 45 minutes away with it's mix of popular resorts or quiet rocky coves.
Golf: There are various golf courses within approximately 40 minutes drive in the Vera and Mojacar area.
Skiing: The Sierra Nevada, with it's 78kms of ski runs and 24 lifts, is approximately 2 hours drive (motorway most of the way).
Travel: Alicante, Murcia and Almeria airports are all about 1hr30min drive away so a car is highly recommended. However, by separate agreement, we can organise transport to/from the airports and there are taxi services in Velez Blanco and Velez Rubio. Velez Blanco is walking distance at about 3kms and Velez Rubio and Maria are both about 8kms. We also have a limited number of mountain bikes which we do allow our guests to use, at their own risk, when possible.
The A91/92N motorway runs just south of Velez Rubio from Granada to Puerto Lumbreras where it joins the E15 coast motorway from Almeria to the north of Spain via Alicante, Valencia and Barcelona.
Further details: There are various restaurants within 4kms of Rio Claro including the Michelin guide "Meson el Molina", our personal favourite "El Palacil" and many cafe/bars frequented by the locals and serving drinks and tapas. Both Velez Blanco and Velez Rubio have medical centres, between them covering 24hrs/day. All 3 local villages have weekly markets (Wed, Sat and Sun) offering freshly grown local produce.
Special Interests: Nick and Claire are happy to accommodate your needs if possible. Please ask if you would like any special assistance or arrangements made. Claire is also an NVQ3 trained Chair Based Exercise leader with 28yrs experience in care for the elderly and/or handicapped. Respite care can be provided by prior arrangement if required.
We are also able to offer our guests private English, Spanish or Dutch lessons. Please enquire prior to arrival. Separate food and laundry services are also offered for a small charge.
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| Prices: |
| High Season |
€800 (Guide price) |
| Mid Season |
€500 (Guide price) |
| Low Season |
€300 (Guide price) |
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